Belur – the historical town is situated on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka. Belur was known as Velapuri.
The Hoysala dynasty ruled over the Deccan and parts of Tamil Nadu between 11th and 13th century. The name Hoysala was coined when a leader of a tribe known as Sala killed a Lion, which was ready to attack the meditating sage Sudatta Muni. The sage blessed and gave Sala the name Hoysala. “Hoy” means strike and the power to rule that region. Hoysala graduated to become a king. Hoysala became an emblem to the Hoysala dyanasty.
Picture – Symbol of Hoysala Dynasty
When the Moghuls destroyed Dwarasumudra, which was the capital city of the Hoysala kingdom, Velapuri or Belur was chosen as an alternate capital city. King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty built the temple of Lord Chennakeshava at Belur. This temple is one of the finest monuments of Karnataka and attracts a huge number of historians and tourists to the temple.
Local cuisines that you can try are Raagi Mudde (finger millet ball) with Avarekaalina Saaru (flat bean curry), Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice), Sakkare Pongal (Rice and jaggery), and Filter Kaapi (Filter Coffee).
Interesting places in Belur:
Chennakeshava Temple
Yegachi Lake
Interesting places around Belur:
Halebid – 16 Kms
Shravanabelagola
Chikmagalur – 22 Kms
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Historical Town
Located: Hassan District, Karnataka
Distance: 222 Km from Bangalore, 32 Km from Hassan, 124 Km from Mangalore, 149 Km from Mysore
Transport: Well connected by road. Nearest Railway Station is Hassan (37 Km)
Facilities: Resorts and hotels are available for staying in Belur and many small restaurants dot the main street in Belur
Website: www.belurtown.gov.in
